Lavochkin La-17
Lavochkin / Smolensk Aviation Plant · Soviet Union · first flew 1963 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Lavochkin La-17 was a Soviet turbojet-powered target drone used to provide realistic aerial targets for training interceptor pilots and testing surface-to-air missiles throughout the 1960s and 1970s. It was air-launched from bomber aircraft and could be recovered by parachute for reuse.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.98 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 0 (unmanned) — Soviet ramjet/turbojet-powered target drone
- Air-launched from Tu-4 or Tu-16 bomber as supersonic aerial target
- Recoverable by parachute for reuse after intercept training missions
A small mid-wing jet drone with a swept wing, underslung engine nacelle, and conventional tail; broadly resembles a small swept-wing fighter but with no cockpit and launch lugs for air-deployment.
Specifications
- The Lavochkin La-17 has a length of 8.98 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 4.7 m (15 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 905 km/h (562 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the 1950s as the Soviet air-defence network demanded realistic high-speed targets. The La-17 entered service in the early 1960s and was used extensively for PVO training. Variants evolved for different speed and altitude profiles, and the type served well beyond its expected life owing to its reliability and the cost of alternatives.
Variants
The La-17 was produced in turbojet and ramjet-powered variants; the La-17M was a modernised version; a reconnaissance drone derivative, the La-17R, was also produced.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) and later the Russian Air Force; also supplied to Warsaw Pact allies.
Related aircraft
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